Seal Beach crime went up 10% in 2024
PUBLIC SAFETY
by Emma DiMaggio
Communications Manager
Crime in Seal Beach increased by 10% in 2024, with 130 more reportable offenses than the previous year. While reports of crime and calls for service were up, the number of 911 calls decreased by 26%.
“While crime trends fluctuate, our mission remains the same—to protect our community through proactive policing, thorough investigations, and strong partnerships,” Chief of Police Michael Henderson said in a statement. “The rise in calls for service and arrests reflects our officers’ dedication, while the drop in 911 calls suggests greater public awareness of emergency response.”
In 2024, 1,434 crimes were reported, more than two-thirds of which were crimes against property, such as theft (551), destruction of property (104), fraud (99), burglary (92) and forgery/ counterfeiting (53).
Overall, the most frequent crimes reported in the city were theft (551), drug equipment violations (128), drug violations (125), destruction of property (104), fraud (99) and aggravated assault (98).
In Leisure World, serious felony crimes such as burglary and assault are almost nonexistent. According to GRF Security Director Victor Rocha, calls for service are overwhelmingly for paramedic followups and rules violations, rather than crimes. The most common crimes reported in the community are residents who become victims of scams and hit-and-run incidents—mostly moving vehicles striking parked cars and then fleeing the scene.
“Residents of Leisure World are fortunate to live in one of the safest bedroom communities in California,” Rocha said.
